Postcode Challenge Kick-starts Summer Holidays

This week sees the end of the school term and the start of
the summer holidays. Heaven for the children, a nightmare for the parents - endless weeks to keep the little ones
occupied. But this summer, why not kick-start the holidays by getting outdoors and taking part in this year's Postcode Challenge?

After the success of last year's event, the Bike Station and
Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust have joined forces again to create
the Postcode Challenge 2012. Organisers are calling on families, cycle
enthusiasts and Edinburgh residents to get outdoors on Sunday 1 July and
discover more about the cycle routes on their doorstep.

Although billed as a ‘challenge’, the Postcode Challenge is
an extremely relaxed affair, with challengers able to set their own pace. The
event gets underway at 11am. Those taking part are asked to check-in at ten
pit-stops along the cycle path routes and collect their stamps to be in with a
chance of winning a fantastic prize.

What's more, there are plenty of treats
along the way to pick up too. You can get high-vis cycle vests from People's
Postcode Lottery, and flower and seed packets from the Edinburgh & Lothians
Greenspace Trust team.

“Even though it’s a challenge, the Postcode Challenge isn't
about the competition,” says Liz Stewart from Edinburgh & Lothians
Greenspace Trust. “It's about discovering your local, natural habitat. We're
looking for as many residents as possible to come down on the day and take
part. What a better way to start the summer holidays!”

Don’t have a bike? For those who don’t have two-wheels, this
year sees a five pit-stop version for walkers keen to learn more about the
cycle routes and enjoy the conservation work and bio-diversity offered along
the paths.

Once the ten – or five if you're walking – stamps have been
collected along the path, entrants are asked to drop their cards in at the
Fiveways Junction before 4pm and be in with a chance of winning a prize.
Organisers are also encouraging cyclists – and walkers – to leave messages on
the Edinburgh Innertube blog, which can be found at http://innertubemap.com/.

“We are delighted to support the Postcode Challenge again
this year,” said Clara Govier, Head of Charities, People's Postcode Trust.
“It's a great event and it gets everyone outside and learning a little more
about the beautiful environment right here in the city.

“We wish all of the challengers good luck – and when you're
stopping by the People's Postcode Lottery tent to get your stamp, there will
also be the chance to enter a competition to win a brand new iPad 2!"

People's Postcode Trust has already worked with both the
Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust and the Bike Station, who were one of
the Dream Fund's 2011 winners. Awarded over £98,000, the funding was used to
create a London Underground-style map of the 70 miles of off-street cycle ways
and paths that reach right into the city centre, which is the basis of
the Postcode Challenge route.

Zero Waste Aware Scotland, State Street, Drylaw Community
Centre, Drylaw Community Garden, Spokes and
MYDG (Muirhouse Youth Development Group) will also have stands along the
Postcode Challenge route.

More information about the
Postcode Challenge can be found at www.elgt.org.uk.

The Edinburgh & Lothians Greenspace Trust also have
another fantastic free family event at Hailes Quarry Park coming up on Saturday
7 July. Starting at 12pm, there's plenty to get involved in, including a
climbing wall, bike track, bouncy castle and children's rides.

Players must be 16 years or over. Only available to play with postcodes in England, Scotland and Wales. Not available in NI. Conditions apply. See Terms & Conditions. Ticket price £2 with 5 draws each month and minimum £10 payable in advance. For a full list of prizes visit Prizes.